The highest court in New York heard arguments Wednesday concerning a lawsuit that challenges the state's right to seize property in Brooklyn, on which Nets' ownership would build a basketball arena and housing complex.  The arena would be the new home of the Nets.

The judges' questions during the hearing seemed to indicate their doubt as to the lawfulness of the state's decision to appropriate the Brooklyn site under its power of eminent domain.

Bruce Ratner hopes to break ground on construction before the end of the year.  The parties opposed to the plan filed another lawsuit Tuesday.  This latest suit was joined by four elected representatives, the first time that any elected official has joined an action to block the Brooklyn project.